About Us
Jerod D. Nelson, PE, PLLC is a mechanical engineering research and development, and consulting firm based in Minot, North Dakota, USA. We have comprehensive knowledge of many engineering disciplines within the 3D printing, robotics, HVAC, plumbing, and automation industries. We have intensive knowledge and thousands of hours of hands on experience with 2D detail drafting, 3D CAD modelling, and parametric design using various software including AutoCAD, Revit, Pro/E, Creo, and FreeCAD. We also have extensive knowledge and hands on experience developing proof-of-concept electronic devices, custom printed circuit boards, and microcontroller firmware for various applications including basic automation, robotics, and remote control systems.
Mission
To help our clients find quality solutions and efficiently bring their ideas into reality.
Vision
To be the most optimized small mechanical engineering firm in the Midwest through the use of the latest technologies, innovations, and business strategies.
Principal
Jerod Nelson is a professional mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience throughout the Midwest, and is registered in North Dakota and South Dakota.
Our Values
We believe our values are one of the primary factors that distinguish us and our work from other firms. We try to integrate our values into every one of our projects and partnerships. We are strong supporters of and believers in open source technologies and right to repair designs.
Quality
We believe quality should be the standard. We strive to perform to the best of our abilities, continually learn, optimize, and improve our designs with each experience and partnership, to provide clear, concise, and consistent results for our clients.
Integrity
We believe in the idea that truth prevails. We operate with honesty and integrity, and we believe transparency is important. We may not always have the answers, but we will either figure it out, or help connect you with local firms or companies who do.
Community
We are committed to serving the communities where we live and work. One of our passion projects is to develop open source technologies to help promote STEM education and to improve the lives of the people in our communities. Plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
Our Story
As a member of the University of North Dakota's 2015-2016 Team RAPTOR (Robot Automated for the Procurement and Transport Of Regolith), we helped design a mining robot for the 2016 NASA Lunabotics Challenge held at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mining robot was constructed of carbon fiber, magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, and various polymer composites making for a high strength-to-weight ratio design, critical for cost-effective space travel. Control systems for the robot included torque vectoring to improve wheel traction and controllability, as well as preliminary development of computer vision and automation.
Out of more than fifty universities from around the United States in the 2016 competition, Team RAPTOR took fifth place overall and first place in STEM outreach; an accomplishment we are still proud of. Today, we still design robots and are strong promoters of STEM education.
